Antique Zenith Grand Prix 1900 Memento Mori Digital Jump Hour Silver Watch 52mm

Presenting an exceptional and museum-quality antique Zenith pocket watch featuring an ultra-rare “digital” jump hour complication and a profound Memento Mori painted dial. Housed in a substantial 52mm solid 0.800 silver case, this historic timepiece celebrates Zenith’s prestigious Grand Prix win at the 1900 Paris Universal Exposition. It seamlessly merges high-level Swiss horological complication with powerful philosophical artistry, preserved in perfect mechanical and aesthetic condition.

At the dawn of the 20th century, Zenith solidified its reputation as a premier watchmaker by winning the Grand Prix at the 1900 Paris Exhibition. This specific timepiece elevates that mechanical pedigree by incorporating a rare early “digital” (or wandering/jump hour) complication, where the hour is read through an aperture rather than with a traditional hour hand. This mechanical ingenuity is paired with a striking Memento Mori motif—the Latin reminder that “you must die.” The Grim Reaper artwork serves as a stark, mesmerizing reminder of the relentless passage of time, making this not just a precision instrument, but a deeply symbolic philosophical artifact.

The Dial:

• Artwork: The center of the dial features a flawless, polychrome painted portrait of a cloaked skeleton (the Grim Reaper) with an outstretched skeletal hand.

• Time Display (Digital Complication): A crescent-shaped aperture at the bottom of the dial reveals the current hour in black Roman numerals against a white background, simulating a digital readout.

• Minute Track: The outer perimeter features a crisp 1–60 Arabic numeral minute track with red accents at every five-minute interval.

• Hand: A single, highly ornate rose-gold-tone Louis XV-style hand sweeps the outer track to indicate the exact minute.

The Case:

• Dimensions: A commanding 52mm in diameter (excluding the crown and bow).

• Materials & Hallmarks: Crafted from solid Continental silver. The inner case back is clearly stamped with the “0.800” silver purity mark, the historic Zenith hallmark (stars and landscape), and the serial numbers 2424591 / 2497.

• Exterior Design: The rear cover features crisp, unworn engine-turned (guilloché) engraving centered around a blank, unmonogrammed shield cartouche framed by floral accents.

• Dust Cover (Cuvette): The inner dust cover is spectacularly engraved with “GRAND PRIX PARIS 1900”, “ZENITH”, and six detailed exhibition medallions, proudly displaying the manufacture’s historical accolades.

The Movement:

• Maker: High-grade original Swiss mechanical manual-wind movement by Zenith.

• Markings: The bridge is crisply signed “ZENITH” alongside the serial number 2324705.

• Condition: The gilt-frosted movement is bright, immaculately clean, and features an exposed winding wheel setup and ruby jewels. It functions perfectly, driving the complex jump hour mechanism smoothly and keeping accurate time.

Condition Report: This highly complicated timepiece is in perfect antique condition. The complex painted and digital-aperture dial shows no visible hairlines, fading, or chips. The 0.800 silver case retains its sharp engine-turned texturing with no heavy wear. The hinges are firm, and all covers snap shut securely with perfect alignment. The Zenith movement winds effortlessly, sets correctly, and runs flawlessly.

Please carefully review all high-resolution photographs as they are an integral part of the description. This is an unparalleled opportunity to acquire a mechanically complex and visually commanding Zenith Memento Mori timepiece.

Shipping & Handling: Item will be securely double-boxed and packaged with the utmost care to ensure the safe transit of the antique mechanical movement, delicate dial aperture, and silver case. Ships worldwide with fully tracked and insured express delivery.